Soccer Aid 2021: What do we know so far?

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Soccer Aid

Where do you see celebs and footy stars playing against each other?

Soccer Aid of course! And it is on our screens on Saturday night!

Stars like Wayne Rooney, Olly Murs, Sir Mo Farah, Usain Bolt and Liv Cooke are all taking part.

The match kicks off on ITV at 7:30pm, with Alex Scott as host.

But if you've not heard of Soccer Aid before, don't worry! Here is everything you need to know about the charity football match.

What is Soccer Aid?

Image source, Getty Images
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The World XI won Soccer Aid in both 2019 and 2020

Soccer Aid has been raising money through its charity football matches since 2006.

It sees a team of celebrities and former footballers from England compete against another team of celebrities and former footballers who represent "the rest of the world".

Last year the match raised a record-breaking £9.3 million and since 2006 it has raised over £47 million.

The money raised for Unicef support projects helping children across the globe.

This year it could help the charity deliver two billion Covid-19 vaccines to frontline healthcare and social workers and teachers around the world.

Wayne Rooney will come out of retirement for the match!

Image source, UNICEF/Soccer Aid 2021
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Wayne Rooney is England men's all-time record scorer with 53 goals

Wayne Rooney announced he was retiring from football in 2021, however he'll be back playing in this match!

He was the England manager for last year's fundraiser.

He said: "Pulling on an England shirt is always special, so I'm absolutely delighted to be doing that again in Soccer Aid for Unicef this September.

"Managing the England team last year was great but being around the players made me want to lace up the boots again - now I've got that chance, one last time."

Who's playing for England?

Image source, UNICEF/Soccer aid 2021
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Olly Murs in his Soccer Aid kit

Other celebs for England
  • Singers - James Arthur and Olly Murs

  • Olympic gold medallists - Sir Mo Farah and Max Whitlock

  • TV presenter - Paddy McGuinness

  • YouTuber - Chunkz

  • TV presenter and reality star - Mark Wright

  • Football freestyler - Liv Cooke

  • Footballers - Jamie Redknapp, Gary Neville and Paul Scholes

  • Managers - David Seaman, Micah Richards and Robbie Williams

Who's playing for the 'rest of the world'?

Image source, Getty Images
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World record sprinter Usain Bolt will be returning to play for Soc

Celebs in the rest of the world team
  • Olympic gold medallist - Usain Bolt

  • Musicians - Tom Grennan and Dermot Kennedy

  • TV Presenter - Ore Oduba

  • Actor - Martin Compston

  • Footballers - Patrice Evra, Chelcee Grimes and Roberto Carlos

  • Managers - Harry Redknapp, Judy Murray

Live from the Etihad Stadium in Manchester

Image source, Getty Images

Soccer Aid 2021 is happening on 4 September and the match will be played at Manchester City's Etihad Stadium.

The game will kick off at 7:30pm with Dermot O'Leary and Football Focus presenter Alex Scott as hosts. Presenter Maya Jama will also be commentating on the match.

Alex Scott said: "I'm so excited for this! I've wanted to be involved in Soccer Aid for Unicef for many years, so I am delighted to be part of it now as pitch-side reporter.

"For years I've watched the games and it's something that I know loads of people look forward to. It'll be great to be back in a stadium with fans again - and all for such a great cause."